#Brexit: EU, let’s divorce

This year was marked by EU referendum or Brexit, as everyone unofficially knows it. For the past couple of months Europhiles eagerly awaited Thursday , June 23 hoping that everything would stay the same, that United Kingdom would vote to remain in Europe, and that the EU would finally be able to concentrate on issues beyond Brexit. Despite the fact that nothing really connects me to the United Kingdom except a positive sentiment, the whole day yesterday I was a nervous wreck. European Union grew to have 28 Member States and Europhiles thought that with time it would only expand and not disintegrate. Today, knowing the results of the British referendum vote I feel shattered, confused and I have a lot of questions. Mood all-over Brussels is grim. Once the emotions cool down, this unprecedented situation will require all sides to adjust and to stay open-minded in their negotiations. European Commission advised that proceedings under Article 50 (copied below) of the Treaty on European Union will have to be launched. In the upcoming days the situation will unfold and clearer expectations might be formed.

Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union
1. Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.
2. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.
3. The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification referred to in paragraph 2, unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.
4. For the purposes of paragraphs 2 and 3, the member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions of the European Council or Council or in decisions concerning it.
A qualified majority shall be defined in accordance with Article 238(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
5. If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asks to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49.

Photos below clearly depict the grim mood, which was present in Brussels today.